On Thursday, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio distanced himself from a solidarity rally planned in his hometown in Akwa Ibom, stating that he has no knowledge of the event or its organizers.
The clarification was made in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media Matters, Jackson Udom. In the statement titled ‘Disregard Any Rally in Akwa Ibom Purported to be in Support of Senate President Godswill Akpabio’, the former governor urged his supporters to avoid the gathering, warning that those behind it might have hidden agendas.
The statement read: “The office of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has been informed of a planned rally, allegedly in support of the Senate President, organized by an unknown group called Progressive Peoples’ Resolution, led by Ubong Idemudo, a controversial figure. The rally is scheduled for tomorrow, April 4.
“The Senate President is not aware of any rally in his support at any venue in Akwa Ibom. He urges his supporters and the peace-loving people of the state to disregard this rally and continue with their lawful activities. The rally, based on information gathered, appears to be orchestrated by individuals with ulterior motives trying to exploit the Senate President’s name for their own gain.”
Senator Akpabio also called on security agencies to take immediate action to prevent the rally from taking place.
“The Police and other security agencies in the state are hereby directed to ensure that this unauthorized rally does not take place, as it has no approval from the Senate President,” the statement concluded.